Unionists to debate 1916 at SF pow wow

Staff Reporter

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has said it is important to include all viewpoints in conversations about the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising and the vision for the future.

Speaking ahead of a conference in the Millennium Forum, Mr McCartney said: “As we mark the centenary of the Easter Rising, it is important we reflect on that historic event and its impact and continuing legacy 100 years later.

“As part of a series of conversations involving commentators and influence makers from across the political spectrum Sinn Féin will host a conference in the Millennium Forum, Derry on Monday, March 21 at 7.30pm titled ‘A United Ireland and the relevance of the 1916 Proclamation in 2016’.

“The conversation will focus on the arguments for and against a new agreed Ireland from the perspective of a panel.

“The panel will include opinions from Michael Burke, economist and author of the recently published book ‘The Economic Case for Irish Unity,’ Maggie Lennon a member of the SNP National Council, Alex Kane, Political Commentator, Ben Lowry, Deputy Editor of the Belfast Newsletter, Steve Aitken, UUP Candidate for South Antrim, recently elected Sinn Féin TD, Louise O’Reilly and Sinn Féin MLA Martin McGuinness.

“As an Irish Republican I believe strongly that the people of Ireland would be better served by a single political, economic and administrative entity on this island.

“I don’t believe it makes any political or economic sense to have two education, health, agriculture, environmental, infrastructure and investment bodies serving an island population of just over 6 million people – less than the population of many European capital cities. Irish Unity makes sense.”